Asthma is one of the most common chronic illnesses, especially among young children. It is reaching epidemic proportions in children under the age of five. Asthma is caused by an immune system response. Allergies are the primary cause of asthma. Asthma is not contagious.

The main symptoms of asthma are coughing, production of excessive mucous, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and wheezing. Not everyone will have all of these symptoms. Some people will have just a few or only one. Symptoms are usually worse in the early morning and during the night.

During an asthma attack, the muscles of the airway tubes tighten, trapping air in the lungs ans excess mucous begins to form in the lungs. Consequently, the person suffering from an asthma attack is unable to take in a full breath and so feels short of breath. The tightening of the muscles of the airway tubes also prevent the person from expelling all the air from their lungs during an asthma attack,

There are no immunizations to prevent asthma. Once a person is diagnosed with asthma, the doctor will prescribe a treatment plan. This plan generally includes mediations to east asthma symptoms, as well as identifying and avoiding any triggers. Asthma flare-ups can be minimized if the person with asthma follows their treatment plan. With both childhood and adult asthmatics, avoidance of the allergy triggers can result in decreased asthmatic symptoms and a reduction in medication requirements. Medicines for asthma treatment may include quick-relief and/or long-term control medications. Quick relief medicines work within minutes and are generally used for asthma flare-ups. The long-term medications are taken on a regular basis to keep the airways calm to help prevent symptoms. Effective treatment will allow the person with asthma to enjoy life without significant breathing problems.

By using a peak flow meter, the person with asthma can monitor their breathing at home. Airway changes can show up on a peak flow meter even before the person begins to feel symptoms.

Some children will outgrow asthma. Others will have periodic flare-ups. This pattern can continue without the asthma getting any worse. However, in some people, asthma flare-ups may increase as they get older. If a person has more severe asthma or does not follow their treatment plan, long-term inflammation of the airways can cause permanent changes and this can cause blockage that cannot be completely reversed, even with treatment.

As with any chronic illness, any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the doctor.

For more information on asthma, go to www.discoveryhealth.com.